While the Premier League and Champions League have cranked back into gear in recent weeks, Arsenal have enjoyed a spell of comparative calm.
Last weekend's clash with Chelsea was suspended due to the Blues' Club World Cup commitments and the lack of European football has given Mikel Arteta an extended spell of time on the training pitch with his players.
The Gunners have a chance to capitalise on some recent slips from their top-four rivals too, as home games against Brentford and Wolves in the space of five days represent a big chance to pick up six points.
Do Arsenal have enough to capitalise on the indifferent form of Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham United? Let us know in the comments section!
James sends Saka warning
Former England goalkeeper David James believes Arsenal's best chance of keeping Bukayo Saka at the club is by improving on the pitch.
Speculation has started to swirl in recent weeks regarding the England international, with Liverpool said to be ready to capitalise should contract negotiations between the player and the Gunners continue to stall.
James thinks that Arsenal's position will be strengthened if they are playing Champions League football next season.
"If [manager Mikel] Arteta begins to show that Arsenal can be successful then Saka will have no reason to leave," he said.
"Liverpool have a different makeup to what’s there at Arsenal. If he’s happy at Arsenal and he can see what Arteta wants to do then I don’t see him leaving."
Read the story in full HERE.
Gallas issues "failure" reminder
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas thinks anything less than a top-four finish in the Premier League this season would represent a "failure."
The Gunners endured a difficult start to 2022, although they earned a morale-boosting victory over Wolves last week to get back on track.
With no European commitments to fulfil, Arsenal have an excellent chance of edging out the likes of United, Tottenham and West Ham. Gallas thinks doing so represents the minimum requirement for Arteta.
"I know it's not easy with so many clubs like City, Chelsea, United, Liverpool, Tottenham but that doesn't matter – you have to finish in the top four at a minimum," he said.
"You've got a strong squad with Arsenal, if Arteta doesn't make top four, he's failed."
Read the story in full HERE.
Henry pleased with Mbappe impression
Kylian Mbappe appeared to mimic Arsenal icon Thierry Henry with his goal celebration against Rennes last weekend.
Prior to his stunning last-gasp winner in the 1-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday, Mbappe scored another stoppage-time winner at the Parc des Princes and celebrated by leaning on the corner flag.
It was a celebration similar to one Henry did earlier in his career and the former striker said he was happy to see Mbappe wheel it out again.
"Do you know why I did that? I was tired, we were playing in Houston, guys will know when you play in Houston - 50 degrees, I saw them flag and I went 'that's a bit too far mate' and stayed there," he said.
"But you know why I was happy? Because my son asked me if I knew Mbappe and I said 'of course I know' and he didn't believe me, so now he does."
Read the story in full HERE.
